6alpha, 16alpha-dialkyl steroid intermediates and proceses



United States Patent 3,094,523 60,16a-DIALKYL STERDID NTERMEDIATES AND PROCESSES Meyer Sletzinger and Donald F. Reinhold, North Plainfield, N.J., assignors to Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N J a corporation of New Jersey No Drawing. Filed Sept. 12, 1958, Ser. No. 760,562 29 Claims. (Q1. 260239.55)

This invention is concerned generally with steroid compounds and with novel processes of preparing the same. More particularly, it relates to 6a,16a-dialkyl-1l-oxygenated steroids of the pregnane series unsaturated in ring A and to a novel process and intermediates produced in preparing these compounds.

These 6a,16ot-dialky1-11-oxygenated steroid compounds possess extremely high anti-inflammatory activity and are especially effective for the treatment of arthritis and related diseases since they can be administered for their cortisone-like action in extremely low dosage thereby minimizing undesired side efiects.

In preparing these active compounds, the starting material utilized is l6a-alkyl-5,6-dihalo-3,B,17a,2l-trihydroxy- 20-pregnanone 21-acylate which may be represented graphically as follows:

wherein R and R are as above.

Reaction of the 16a-a1kyl-3p3,17u,2l-trihydroxy-Spregnen-20-one 2-1-acylate with para-toluenesulfonyl halide results in the formation of 16u-alkyl-3fl,17a,2l-trihydroxy-S-pregnen-ZO-one 3-tosylate 21-acylate which has the following structural formula QS/Ij:

wherein R and R are as above.

ice

The 16u-alkyl-3B,17a,21 trihydroxy-S-pregnen-20-one 3-tosylate 21-acylate is reacted with methyl ethyl ketone and potassium acetate to form 16a-alkyl-3,5-cyclo-6B,17a, 2l-trihydroxy-ZO-pregnanone 2l-acylate which may be represented as follows:

olaioR' 0:0

16a-alkyl 3,5 cyclo 6,8,17a,2l trihydroxy-ZO-pregnanone 2l-acy1ate is reacted with an oxidizing agent such as chromium trioxide to form 16a-alkyl-3,5-cyclo-170;,21- dihydroxy-6,20-pregnanedione ll-acylate which has the following structural formula:

CHaOR =0 --ort The 1606 alkyl 3,S-cyclo-l7a,2l-dihydroxy-6,20-pregnanedione is reacted with formaldehyde to form 16aalkyl 3,5 cyclo 17a,20,20,21 bismethylenedioxy 6- pregnanone which has the structural formula wherein R 1s as above.

Treatment of the above 16a-alkyl-3,5-cyclo-l7a,20,20,

The 6e,16a dialkyl 3,5 cyclo 6e -hydroxy 17a. 20,20,2l=bisn1ethylenedioxypregnane is reacted with acid to remove the hydroxyl group in the 6-position to form 6,16 dialkyl 3,8 hydroxy 17u,20,20,21 bismethylenedioxyJ- regnen-3p-acylate which may be 'repre.

sented as follows:

wherein R and R are as above.

The 6,16 u-dialkyl-3;3 hydroxy-17u,20,20,21-bismethylenedioXy S pregnene-3B-acylate is hydrolyzed to 6,160:- di'alkyl 3B hydroxy- 17a,'20,20,21 bismethylenedioxyj pregnene which can be represented as follows:

U o O wherein R is as above.

The 6,16a-dialkyl-3B-hydroXy-l7a,20,20,21-bisrnethylenedioxy ipreg nene can be reacted with cycloheiganone and aluminum isopropoxide to form 6a,16a-dialkyl-17a; 20,20,2l-bisrnethylnedioxy-4-pregnen-3-one which has the following structural formula:

y pg wherein R is as above;

Treatment of the above 6a,16oc-dialky1-17a,20,20,21- bismethylenedioxy-4-pregnen-3-one with acid results in the formation of 6a,16a-dialkyl-17a,21-dihydroXy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione which may" be indicated as follows:

5 onion wherein R is as above.

The 6a,16a dialky1-170:,2l-dihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20- dione can be subjected to the action of an oxygenating 2O enzyme produced by a strain of Curvularia lunata to form 604,160: dialkyl ll,8,17ot,21'-' trihydroxy 4 pregnene- 3,2 0-dio'ne, a compound which possesses high anti-inflammatory activity and is especially effective in the treatment of arthritis and related diseases. The organism Curvularid lunata can be obtained from known sources such as the Northern Regional Research Laboratory (No. 2434), Peoria, Ill. or they may be isolated from natural sources, such as soil, by known methods.

The 6a,16a dialkyl-l1/3,17a,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnene 0 obtained can be treated with acetic anhydride to form the 21-acylate derivative which is purified by recrystallization from benzene petroleum ether to form substantially pure 6a,16a dialkyl l l 8,l7 x,21 trihydroxy 4 pregnene- 3,20-dione 21-acylate.

The hydroxy group in the llfi-position can be converted to ll-keto by oxidation of 60:,160Edi211kYI-11/3,170c,21tfihydroXy-4-pregnene-3,ZO-dione 21-acylate with chromium trioxide in the presence of pyridine to form 6oc,16oz-dialkyl-17u,2l-dihydroXy-4-pregnene-3,1 1,20-trione 21-acylate. The 60,16u dialkyl 11B,l7u,21-trihydroXy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione 21-acylate esters thereof and 6u,16a-dialkyl-l7a,2l-dihydroXy-4-pregnene-3,11,20-trione and 21 acylate esters thereof have been found to possess extreinely effective anti-inflammatory activity in the treatmerit of arthritis and related diseases.

Alternatively, 6oz, 1oa-dialkyl-17m,21-dihydroXy-4-preg nene-3,20-dione can be subjected to the action of an oxygenating enzyme produced by a strain of Rhizopus nigricans to introduce a lla-hydroxy group into the steroid thus forming 6a,16a-dialkyl-11a,17a,21-trihydroxy,4-pregnene- 3,20-dione. The R hizop us nz'gricans organism can be obtained from known sources such as the American Type Culture Collection No. 6227b, Washington, DC. or they may also be isolated from natural sources, such as soil,

by known methods. Oxidation of the Ila-hYdIOXY group to ll-keto can be accomplished by a reaction with chromous acid to form 6a,16bt-dialkyl-17a,21-dihydroxy-4- pregnene-3,1l,20-trione. The 3,20-positions of the ring can be protected by the introduction of semicarbazone 0 groups. 'This procedure involves reacting 6d,:l6ot-dlalkyl- 17a,2l dihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,l1,20-trione with semicarbazide halide to form 3,20-disemicarbazone of 6u,l6adialkyl-l711,21-dihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,1 1,20-trione. This latter compound is then reacted with sodium borohydride 5 in tetrahydrofuran' to introduce the hydroxy in the 11,8- position. The 3,20-bis-semicarbazone groups can be removed by treatment with pyruvic acid to form :,16adialkyl-l 1,8, 1 711,2 1 -trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3 ,20-dione.

The 60a, 16 a-dialkyl-l 1B,17 t,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,

ZO-dione or 6m,l6a-alkyl dialkyl-17a,21-dihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,l1,20-trione can bereacted with selenium dioxide to introduce the double bond in ring A at the 1-position thereby forming 6a,16a,dialkyl 11B,17a,21-trihydroXy-1, 4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione or 604, l 6a-dialkyl-17a,21-dihy droxy-1,4,pregnadiene-3,11,20-trione.

Alternatively, the double bond can be introduced into a 6a,16u-dialkyl-17:1,21-dihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione employing selenium dioxide thus forming 6a,l6a-dialkyll7a,21 dihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acylate. The l-1 3hydroxy group can be introduced into the latter compound employing Curvularia lunata to form 6a,l6udialkyl 11fi,l7a,21 trihydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene-3,20- dione. It is also possible to introduce the 11a-hydroxy into the 6a,16a-dialkyl-1711,21-dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene- 3,20-dione 2l-acylate, oxidizing the lla-hydroxy to the ll-keto compound, protecting the 3 and 20-position with semicarbazone groups and introducing the llfi-hydroxy. The 3,20-semicarbazone can be removed leaving 60:,1611- dialkyl-1'15,17a,2l-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20 dione.

The 6a,16a, dialkyl-l1B,17a,2l-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione and 2l-acylate esters and the 60:,1605- dialkyl l7a,21-dihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione and 21-acylate esters obtained by these procedures possess extremely high anti-inflammatory activity and are especially effective in the treatment of arthritis.

The l6m-alkyl-5,6-dihalo-3fi,1704,21-trihydroxy-20-pregnanone 2l-acylate used as starting materials in this process are conveniently prepared starting with the known 3- acyloxy-S,16-pregnadien-20-one in accordance with the following procedure:

3-acyloxy-5,16-pregnadien-20one is reacted with alkyl magnesium halide thereby forming l6u-alkyl-3 3-hydroxy. 5-pregnen-20-one which is reacted with an acyl anhydride in the presence of pyridine to form 3fi-acyloxy-16a-alkyl- S-pregnen-ZO-one. The latter compound is reacted with halogen to form 3fl-acyloxy-16oc-alkyl-f'r,6-dihalo-20-pregnanone, which is then reacted with a dialkyl oxalate. The resulting alkyl ester of 16a-alkyl-5,6-dihalo-3fl-hydroxy- 20-oxo-2l-pregnane-glyoxylic acid is hydrolyzed with an alkali metal hydroxide to form 16a-alkyl-5,6-dihalo-3/3-hydroxy-20-oxo-2l-pregnene-glyoxylic acid. The latter compound is reacted with nitro-benzene sulfonic acid and an acyl anhydride to form 35,23-diacyloxy-16a-alky1-5,6-dihalo 2l-normethyl-17 (20) ,22-choladieno-24(20)-lactone. Reaction of the latter compound with a peracid yields 3 5,23 diacyloxy 16cc alkyl-5,6-dihalo-2l-normethyl-l7 (20)-oxido-2'2-cholano-24(20)-lactone which is reacted with base to yield 16u-alkyl-5,6-dihalo-3fl,17a-dihydroxy- ZO-pregnanone. The latter compound is reacted with a halogenating agent to form l6a-alkyl-5,6,21-trihalo-3B, l7u-dihydroxy-20-pregnanone. Reaction of the latter compound with an acyl-ating agent results in the formation of 16a alkyl-5,6-dihalo,3;3,l70:,21-trihydroxy-3,20-pregnane-dione 2l-acylate.

In all of the previously described reactions, R has been designated as alkyl, and is intended to include the lower alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl and propyl or aryl alkyl group. R has been indicated as acyloxy. The acyloxy groups that may be employed in these reactions include lower hydrocarbon carbonyloxy esters such as benzoate, lower alkanoates such as acetoxy, and propionoxy, X is halogen and is intended to include bromo and chloro. It will be evident to those skilled in the art that other groups may be substituted for those recited here and these definitions are intended only as some indication of the operable class of compounds.

The following experimental part illustrates in detail some of the compounds which constitute this invention and methods for their production. However, this invention is not to be construed as limited thereby in spirit or in scope since it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications in materials and methods may be made without departing from the invention.

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of 313,1 7 (2,21 -Trihydrxy-16a-Methyl- -Pregnen-20-0ne 21 -A cetate A 3 ml. aqueous acetone solution of chromous chloride, prepared by reduction of chromic chloride with amalgamated zinc, is added to .13 g. of 5,6-dlChlOIO-3B,l7oc,21- trihydroxy 16a-methy1-20-pregnanone Zl-acetate (prepared as described herein below). The mixture is refluxed for five minutes under nitrogen, then cooled and diluted with 5 ml. of water. The precipitate which separated from solution, is filtered and recrystallized from acetone to yield mg. of 3B,17a,2l-trihydroxy-16umethyl-S-pregnen-ZO-one 21 acetate which melted at 185-188" C.

x35 5.74 (sh), 5.79,.

Analysis.Calculated for C H O 71.26; H, 8.97. Found: C, 70.95; H, 9.28.

The 5,6-dichloro 3p,17a,21-trihydroxy-16oc-methyl-20- pregnanone 21-acetate used as a starting material in this example is prepared as follows:

A solution of 10 g. of methyl iodide in 40 ml. of ether is added to 1.73 g. of magnesium in 50 ml. of ether. To the resulting ml. of ethereal solution of methyl magnesium iodide, maintained under a nitrogen atmosphere is added 50 ml. of ether followed by the addition of .64 g. of cuprous chloride. The mixture is stirred vigorously for 1.5 hours at 20 C. and then refluxed for /2 hour. At the end of this time the yellow cuprous chloride is converted to a fine black insoluble powder. A solution of 16.4 g. of 3-acetoxy-5,l6-pregnadien-20-one in 500ml. of absolute ether, is added over a period of 1 hour. The mixture is then refluxed for 6 hours With stirring. The methyl magnesium iodide complex and excess methyl magnesium iodide is decomposed by the careful addition of ml. of 10% sulfuric acid. The mixture is then filtered through diatomaceous earth and transferred to a separatory funnel. The aqueous acetic layer is separated and back extracted with 200 ml. of ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate is combined with the ether layer and washed successively with water, 5% sodium sulfite solution, water, 10% sodium bicarbonate solution and finally with water. The organic solution is dried and concentrated in vacuo until crystallization begins. The ethyl acetate solution is then distilled at atmospheric pressure until crystallization of B-B-hydroxy-l6u-methyl-5-pregnen20-one begins. The solution is cooled to 10 C. and filtered. Wt. 10.89 g. M.P. 182188 C. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate raises the melting point to 189- 191 C.

A mixture of 50.0 g. of 3,6-hydroxy-16a-methyl-5-pregnen-20-one in 200 ml. of acetic anyhdride and 200 ml. of pyridine is allowed to stand for 18 hours at 20 C. The mixture is concentrated to dryness and the residue dissolved in benzene. The benzene solution is washed with 25% sulfuric acid, saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and water. The benzene solution is dried and concentrated to dryness. Petroleum ether is added to induce crystallization. The SB-acetoxy-lM-methyl-S- pregnen-ZO-one is filtered and dried. Wt. 50.3 g. M.P. 181-185 C.

Chlorine gas is slowly bubbled into 40 ml. of benzene containing .21 ml. pyridine. Simultaneously, a solution of 6.0 g. of 3/3-acetoxy-l6a-methyl-5-pregnen-20-one in .40 ml. of benzene containing .21 ml. of pyridine is added to the chlorine-benzene solution. The rate of addition of the steroid solution is adjusted so that a slight excess of chlorine is present. The addition of the steroid requires 25 minutes. The reaction mixture is poured into 5% sodium thiosulfate solution to destroy the excess chlorine. The benzene solution is washed with 5% hydrochloric acid, sodium bicarbonate solution and water. The benzene solution is then dried and concentrated to dryness. The residue is dissolved in hot acetone, treated with charcoal and filtered. The filtrate is evaporated on a steam bath until crystallization starts. The mixture is cooled and filtered to yield 3B-acetoxy-5,6-dichloro-16m-methyl- ZO-pregnanone which melts at 195-198 C.

Sodium methoxide is prepared by adding 35 ml. of

theYcake dissolved in ethyl acetate.

'methanol to 3.18 g. of clean sodium in a 250 ml. roundto the sodium salt of the ethyl ester of 5,6-dichloro-3,B- hydroxy-l6ot methyl-20-oxo 21 pregnaneglyoxylic acid and the mixture acidified by addition of 2.5 N hydro- 'chloric acid. To this mixture is added 250 ml. of water and 250 ml. of benzene and stirred for minutes. The benzene layer isseparated and washed with water until neutral. The benzene solution is dried and concentrated in vacuo to yield 16.3 g. of the ethyl ester of 5,6-dichloro- 3,8-hydroxy-16a-methyl oxo 21 pregnaneglyoxylic acid. U.V. Amax, 2920, E% 135.

To 16.3 grams of the ethyl ester of 5,6-dichloro-3/3- hydroxy-16 x-methyl-20-oxo-2l-pregnaneglyoxylic acid is added 250 ml. of methanol and then over a period of 20 minutes 250ml. of .5 N sodium hydroxide is added. The

mixture is stirred for 5 hours and then rapidly heated to 70 C. and held at 70 C. for five minutes. The clear solution is cooled rapidly to C. and acidified with 2.5 N hydrochloric acid. The precipitate is collected and washed thoroughly with water. The crude 5,6-dichloro- 3B-hydroxy-16ot-methyl-20-oxo-2l-pregnaneglyoxylic acid is slurried with 100 ml. of acetonitrile, filtered and dried. Wt. 10.02 grams, M.P. 209-211 C. U.V. A 2910, E% 208.

Acetic anhydride (82 ml.) is added to 2.2 grams of 5,6-dichloro-35-hydroxy 16a methyl 20 oxo-21-pre'gnaneglyoxylic acid. To this suspension is added 300 mg. of dinitrobenze'ne sulfonic acid. The mixture is stirred for 2 hours and 300 mg. of potassium acetate is added and the solution concentrated in vacuo below 50 C. to dryness.

The 318 23 diacetoxy 5,6 dichloro-l6ot-methyl 21-normethyl- 17(20),22-choladieno-24(20)-lactone is dissolved in 250 ml. ofbenzene and washed successively with two portions of 100 ml. of cold 2.5 sodium hydroxide and two portions of 100 cc. of water. The benzene solution is dried and concentrated to dryness to yield an orange-red "oil which yields light tan crystals on trituration with ethanol. The 3B,23 diacetoxy-5,6-dichloro- 16ot-methyl 21 -'normam/1 1700) ,22-choladien'o24 (20)-lactone weighs 8.6 'g.

U.v. i 2990, E% '423.

A solutionof 8.61 grams of 3{3,23 diacetoxy-5,6-dichloro-l6u-methyl 21 normethyl 17(20),22 7 choladieno- 24(20) -lactone is dissolved in 82 ml. of .55 M perbenzoic 'acid in benzene. The solution is allowed to stand at room temperature for 5 days. Iwashed successively with 5% sodium bisulfite solution,

The benzene solution is then saturated sodium bicarbonate solution, and finally with saturated sodium chloride solution. The benzene solution is :dried and concentrated to dryness to yield an oil 'which crystallizes on addition of 50 ml. of petroleurn'ether.

Filtration yields 8.68 grains of 3fi,23-diacetoxy-5,6 dichloro-16d methyl '21 normethyl 17(20) oxide-22- 'choleno-24(20)-'lactone. U.V. X 2280, E% 194.

A solution of .5 g. of 3,8,23-diacetoxy-5,64dichloro-16a- 'methyl 21 normethyl-17(20)-oxido-22-choleno-24(20)- lactone in 6 ml. of tetra'hydrofuran and 20 ml. of 2.5 N

sodium hydroxide is stirred for 20 hours at room 'temperature. The 'tetr'ahydrofu-r'an layer is separated and water added to precipitate 5,6-dichloro-3/8,17bt-dihydroxy- 16a-methyl-20-pregnanone. This product is filtered and The ethyl acetate solution is washed with sodium bicarbonate solution and collected by filtration. Ethanol (110 ml.) is then added 7 solution is dried and concentrated to yield an oil which crystallizes on standing.

This crystalline material, namely 21 bromo 5,6 -dichloro-3B,17a dihydroxy-16amethyl-20-pregnanone is recrystallized from benzenepet'roleumether. M.P. l194 C.

A mixture of .305 gram of 21-bromo-5,'6-dichloro-3p, 17a-dihydroxy-16u-methyl-20-pregnanone, .294 gram of potassium acetate, .233 gram of potassium iodide, .001 ml. of acetic acid i116 ml. of acetone is refluxed with stirring 'for 18 .hours. The mixture is diluted with water and filtered. The cake is dissolved in ethyl acetate and the ethyl acetate solution is washed with water, dried and concentrated to dryness. This crystalline residue of 5,6-dichloro-3/3,l7u,21-trihydroxy-'1Gwmethyl-ZO-pregnanone 21-acetate is the starting material employed in this example. v

EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of 35,170 21-Trihydr0xy-1Ga-MethyI-S-Pregnen-20-*One-3Tosylate 21-Acetate To a Samson of 50 mg. of 3 3,l7a,2l-trihydroxy--l6u- :methyl-5 pregnen-20-one 2l-acetate in 5 ml. of pyridine is added 35 mg. of p-toluenesulfonylchloride. The mixture is allowedto stand'for sixteen hours at about 20 C.

The mixture is then diluted with water and extracted with chloroform. The chloroform'extract is washed with four 3 'ml. portions of Water. I dried and concentrated to dryness. The residue is dis- The chloroform solution is solved in acetoneand petroleum ether is'addeduntil the solution is turb'i'cl. After standing for about fifteen hours,

' 3B,17a,21-trihydroxy-16a methyl-5-pregnen 20-one p, 3-tosyIat'e'ZI-acetate crystallizes from solution. The mixture is filtered, washed with petroleum ether and dried. M.P.

A mixture of 161.6 mg.'of 3 3,l7u,21-trihydroxy l6amethyl-S-ptegnen-ZO-one 3'-tosylate ZI-acetate, '1 ml. of methyl ethyl 'ketone, 21mg. of potassium acetate and .2

ml. ofiwa'ter is refluxed for 18 hours. The methyl ethyl lretone is evaporated in a stream of nitrogen. 'The'residue 1s trrturated "with water and dissolved'in a mixtnre of benzene-ethyl acetate. The organic'layer is washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and Water, dried and 'concentratedto dryness to'yie'ld an oil.

The residual oil is crystallized from acetate to-yield pure acetone solvate of 3, 5-CyClO-6fl,1700,2l-t1lhYdI'OXY-l6ccmethyl-'20-pregnanone'21-acetate (REEL 285-29711, 5.74,u, (Sh), 5.81 1, 5.9110 Analysis.Calculated forC H3 O 'C H' -O: C, 70.01;

H,9.15. Found: C,'69.80; H.884.

011013 max.

5.74;; (Sh), 5.79m 5.95 1.

EXAMPLE 5 Preparation of 3,5 -Cycl-1 7a,21-Dihydr0xy-16a-Methyl- 6,20-Pregnanedione To a solution of 363 mg. of 3,5-cyclo-17a,21-dihydroxy- 16a-methyl-6,20-pregnanedione 21-acetate in 20 ml. of purified methanol is added a .42 ml. solution of 2.16 N sodium methoxide in methanol. The solution is stirred for 8 minutes and then is made slightly acid with acetic acid. The mixture is diluted with water and the precipitate is collected by filtration. The hydrolyzed product 3,5-cyclo-17a,21dil1ydroxy 16a methyl-6,20-pregnancdione is washed thoroughly with water and is employed directly in the next reaction.

EXAMPLE 6 Preparation of 3,5 -Cycl0-1 6a-M ethyl-1 7u,20,20,21-

Bism ethylene-Di0xy-6-Pregnanone To a mixture of .280 g. of 3,5-cyclo-17a,2l-dihydroxy- 16a-methyl-6,20-pregnanedione in 11 ml. of chloroform is added a solution of 2.8 ml. of concentrated hydrochloric acid and low methanol 37% formaldehyde, premixed at 0 C. The two phase system is stirred at 20 C. under nitrogen for 24 hours. The chloroform layer is then separated and the aqueous layer is extracted twice with 25 ml. portions of chloroform. The chloroform extracts are combined and washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and Water. The chloroform solution is dried and concentrated to dryness. The residue is flushed twice with 20 ml. portions of methanol. The residue is then dissolved in benzene and chromatographed on Florosil. The column is eluted successively with 1%, 3%, 5% and 7.5% acetone in n-hexane. The crystalline fractions from the 5% acetone cuts, which give a negative blue tetrazolium test are combined and recrystallized from methanol to yield substantially pure 3,5-cyclo-l6umethyl-17a,20,20,21-bismethylenedioxy-6-pregnanone.

EXAMPLE 7 Preparation of a Mixture of lsomers of 3,5-Cycl0-6e-Hydroxy 65,160: Dimethyl 17o,20,20,21 Bismethylenedioxypregnane To a solution of 150 mg. of 3,5-cyclo-16a-methyl-17a, 20,20,2lbismethylenedioxy-6-pregnanone in 25 ml. of ether is added dropwise a solution of 1 ml. of 3 M methyl magnesium in ether. The mixture is refluxed for two hours, cooled and excess Grignard reagent is decomposed with a saturated ammonium chloride solution. The ether layer is separated and the aqueous layer is extracted with chloroform. The organic extracts are combined, washed with water, dried and concentrated. The residue which is probably a mixture of isomers of 3,5-cyclo-6e-hydroxy- 68,160 dimethyl 17 u,20,20,21 bismethylenedioxypregnane is used in the next step without purification.

EXAMPLE 8 Preparation of 3fi-Hydr0xy-6J6a-Dimethyl-17a,20,20,21- Bismethylenedioxy-S-Pregnen-3B-Acetate A solution of 150 mg. of a mixture of isomers of 3,5-

cyclo-6e-hydroxy-6e,16a-dimethyl l7a,20,20,21 bismethylenedioxy-pregnane in 2 ml. of 10% sulfuric acid in acetic acid is stirred for about fifteen hours at 20 C. The mixture is diluted with ice water and the solids collected by 10 filtration. The cake is washed thoroughly with water and dried. The product is 3fl-hydroxy-6,16a-dimethyl-l7a, 20,20,21-bismethylenedioxy-5-pregnen 3 fl-acetate.

EXAMPLE 9 Preparation of 3,BHydr0xy-6,1 6a-Dimethyl-1 70:,20,20,21- Bismethylenedioxy-S-Pregnene The 3,8-hydroxy-6,16a-dimethyl-17a,20,20,21 bismethylenedioxy-S-pregnen 3fi-acetate obtained in the previous Example 8 is hydrolyzed by dissolving it in .5 ml. of methanol, adding 50 mg. of potassium carbonate and refluxing on the steam bath for one hour. The mixture is cooled, diluted with 1 ml. of water and the methanol evaporated in a stream of nitrogen. The precipitate is filtered, washed thoroughly with water and recrystallized from aqueous methanol to give BB-hydroxy-G,16a-dimethyl-17a, 20,20,2 1-bismethylenedioxy-5-pregnene.

EXAMPLE 10 Preparation of 6a,]6a-Dimethyl-l7a,20,20,21 Bismethylenedioxy-4-Pregnen-3-One To a solution of 5 ml. of toluene and mg. of 6,16ocdimethyl-17a,20,20,2l-bismethylenedioxy 5 pregnene is added .25 ml. of cyclohexanone and 125 mg. of redistilled aluminum isopropoxide. The mixture is heated under reflux for 45 minutes. A 25 ml. solution of potassium sodium tartrate is added and the mixture is steam distilled to remove the toluene and cyclohexanone. After cooling, the aqueous suspension is extracted with chloroform. Concentration of the chloroform in vacuo yields an oil which is triturated with petroleum ether to remove traces of cyclohexanone. The residue is dried thoroughly in vacuo and is crystallized from benzene-heptane to give 6a,16ot, dimethyl-17u,20,20,2l-bismethylenedioxy 4 pregnen 3- one.

EXAMPLE 11 Preparation of 17oa,21 Dihydroxy 6a,]6a Dimethyl 4- Pregnene-3,20-Di0ne A solution of 70 mg. 6a, 16a-dimethyl-17a,20,20,21-bismethylenedioxy-4-pregnen-3-one in 7 ml. of 50% acetic acid is heated on a steam bath under nitrogen for 8 hours. The solvents are concentrated to dryness in vacuo. The residue is dissolved in chloroform and washed with a saturated sodium bicarbonate solution. The chloroform solution is filtered and concentrated to a small volume. The chloroform solution is then streaked on paper strips. The paper is dipped in a formamide methanol solution (1:2) and air dried at room temperature for 15 minutes. The sheets are developed using benzene as the mobile phase. The sheets are air dried and the major U.V. and blue tetrazolium positive section is eluded with ethyl acetate. The ethylacetate solution is washed with water, dried and concentrated to a small volume. Petroleum ether is added to precipitate the 17a,21-dihydroxy 6a,16a dimethyl 4- pregneue-3,20-dione.

EXAMPLE 12 Preparation of 1113,] 7a,21-Trihydroxy-6a,1 6 a-Dimethyl-4- Pregnene-3,20-Di0ne A medium is prepared having the following composition:

Glucose g 20 An enzymatic lactoalbumen digest (Edamin) g 20 Cornsteep liquor ml 5 Water to make 1 liter.

This medium is distributed in 50 ml. portions in appropriate vessels. The pH of the medium is adjusted to 6.5 with 1 M potassium hydroxide and sterilized at C. for 12 minutes.

The medium in each vessel is then inoculated with an aqueous suspension of spores of the strain of Curvalaria lunata (Northern Regional Research Laboratory No.

1 1 2434) and the regulated media are maintained at an incubation temperature of 28 C. for 48 hours on a rotary shaking machine.

Ten mg. of 17a,21-dihydroxy-6a,16a-dimethyl-4 pregnene-3,20-dione prepared as described in Example 11 is 'added to each vessel from a dimethylformamide solution EXAMPLE 13 Preparation of 17a,21-Dihydr0xy-6a,16a-Dimethyl-4 Pregnene-3,11,20-Trione A solution of 200 mg. of 11B,17a,21-trihydroxy-6a, 16a-dimethyl-4-pregnene-3,ZO-dione 21-acetate in 2 ml. of pyridine is added to the complex formed by the addition of 200 mg. of chromium trioxide to 2 ml. of pyridine. The mixture is swirled until thoroughly mixed and then allowed to stand at room temperature for about 16 hours. The reaction mixture is poured into water, and the aqueous mixture is extracted with ether and then twice with ethyl acetate. The combined ether and ethyl acetate extracts are washed with dilute aqueous sulfuric acid at about C., and then with water until neutral. The organic solvent layer is then dried, the solvents are evaporated therefrom in vacuo, and the residual crystalline material is purified by crystallization from ethyl acetate-ether to give 170:,21-dihYdIOXY-6oz,l6otdilnethyl- 4-pregnene-3,11,20-trione 2l-acetate.

Twenty-five milligrams of 17u,21-dihydr0xy-6a,16adimethyl-4-pregnene-3,11,20-trione 21-acetate is dissolved in ;1 ml. of methanol and .29 ml. of .21 N sodium methoxide in methanol is added and the solution is stirred at 20 C. under nitrogen for 7 minutes. The reaction mixture is acidified with acetic acid and diluted with water. After evaporation, of the methanol, in vacuo, the precipitate is filtered and dried. The product is crystallized from ethyl acetate-ether to give 17a,21-dihydroxy-6a,16a-dimethyl-4-pregnene-3, 1 1,20-trione.

EXAMPLE 14 Preparation of 11 a,1 70:,21-Trihydroxy-6a,16a-Dimethyl- 4-Pregnene-3,20-Dione A medium is prepared having the following composition:

Glucose g 20 Anu enzymatic lactoalubumen digest, Edamin) g 20 Cornsteep liquorml Water to make 1 liter.

This medium is distributed in 50 ml. portions in appropriate vessels. The pH of the medium is adjusted to 6.5 with 1 M of potassium hydroxide and sterilized at 120 C. for 12 minutes.

The medium in each vessel is then inoculated with a heavy aqueous suspension of spores of a strain of Rhizopus nigricans (American Type Culture Collection No. 6227b) and the inoculated media are maintained at an incubation of 28 C. for 48 hours on a rotary shaking machine.

Ten mg. of 17u,21-dihydroxy-6a,16a-dimethyl-4-pregnene-3,20-dione prepared as described in Example 11 is added to each vessel from a dimethylformamide solution (100 mg./ml.). The incubation is carried out for an additional 24 hours under conditions identical to the 12 growth phase. The whole broth is then extracted 3 times With equal volumes of ethyl acetate, the extracts combined, and finally concentrated. The 1la,17a,2l-trihydreary-6a,l6a-dimethyl-4-preguene-3,20-dione is filtered otf.

The 11a,17a,21 trihydroxy-6a,l6a-dimethyl-4-pregnene-3,20-dione is treated with acetic anhydride and pyridine to give the 21-acetyl derivative, which is purified by recrystallization from benzene-petroleum ether to give substantially pure 1-1a,17a,21-trihydroxy-6a,16a-dimethyl- 4-pre-gnene-3,20-dione 21-acetate.

EXAMPLE 15 Preparation of l 7a,21-Dihydroxy-6u,16a-Dimethyl-4- Pregnene-3,l 1 ,ZO-Trione In accordance with the chromium trioxide oxidation procedure described in Example 13, but using 1lcc,17a,21- trihydroxy-6a,16a-dimethyl-4pregnene-3,20-dione 21-acetate as the starting material in place of 1l5,l7a,21-trihydroxy 6u,l6a-dimethyl-4-pregnene-3,20-dione 21-acetate, there is obtained 170:,21-dlhYd1OXY-60t,160c-dl1116thYl- 4-pregnene-3, l 1,20-trione.

EXAMPLE 16 Preparation of 3,20-Disemicarbaz0ne of 17a,21-Trihydroxy-6a,16a-Dimethyl-4-Pregnene-3,11,20-Tri0ne To a stirred solution of 250 mg. of 17oz,21-dihydroxy- 6a,l6a-dimethyl-4-pregnene-3,11,20-trione in 6.3 ml. of methanol and 3 ml. of water is added a slurry of 340 mg. of semicarbazide hydrochloride and 190 mg. of sodium bicarbonate in 1 ml. of water. The stirred mixture is refluxed under nitrogen for 4 hours. It is then cooled to 20 C. and 30 ml. of 50% saturated aqueous sodium chloride is added. After 3 hours at 0 C., the precipitate of the 3,20 disemicarbazone of 170:,21-dihydroxy-6a,16a-dimethyl-4-pregnene-3,11,20-trione is filtered, washed with water, until firee of chloride ion and dried in air.

EXAMPLE 17 Preparation of 3,20-Disemicarbazone 0f I1fi,17oc,21-Trihydroxy-6a,1 6a-Dimethyl-4-Pregnene-3,20-Dione To a stirred solution of 300, mg. of the 3,20-disemicarbazone of 17a,21-dihydroxy-6a,16adimet1hyl-4-pregnene-3,11,20-trione in 15 ml. of tetrahydrofuran and 10 ml. of water is added mg. of sodium borohydride. The stirred suspension is refluxed two hours and then cooled to 15 C. Aqueous acetic acid (3 ml. of 30%) is added cautiously and most of the tetrahydrofuran is removed in vacuo. The product crystallizes on addition of 10 ml. of 50% saturated aqueous sodium chloride and aged at 0 C. The product, 3,20-disemicarbazone of 11,B,17a,21 trihydroxy-b'u,16a-dimethyl-4-pregnene-3,20- dione is filtered, washed with water and dried in air.

EXAMPLE 18 Preparation of 1Ifi,l7a,21-Trihydroxy-6a,16a-Dimethyl- 4-Pregnene-3,20-Dione To a solution of 250 mg. of the 3,20disemicarbazone of l 1/3,17uz,21 trihydroxy 6a,16a-dimethyl-4-pregnene- 3,20-dione in 2.5 ml. of acetic acid is added .5 of water and 0.25 ml. of pyruvic acid. The solution is maintained at 25 C. for 18 hours. Water (30 ml.) is added and the mixture is extracted thoroughly with chloroform. The chloroform extract is dried over sodium sulfate and taken to dryness. The residue is crystallized from ethyl acetate to give pure l1;8,l7 x,21trihydroxy-6a,16a-dimethyl-4-pregnene-3,ZO-dione.

EXAMPLE 19 Preparation 0 :,21-Dihydr0xy-6a,16a-Dimethyl-l,4- Pregnadiene-3-,20-Di0ne 21-Acetate 1706,21 dihyd-roxy 6a,l6a dimethyl 4 pregnene- 3,20-dione (prepared as described in Example 11) is 13 treated with acetic anhydride and pyridine to give the 21- acetyl derivative, wihch is purified by recrystallization from benzene-petroleum ether to give substantially pure 17,2ldihydroxy-6a-16a-dimethyl-4-pregnene-3,ZO-dione 21-acetate.

To 50 mg. of 17a,21-dihydroxy-6a,16a-dimethyl-4-pregnone-3,20-dione 2l-acetate thus obtained in 2.5 ml. of t-butanol and 0.1 ml. of acetic acid is added 30 mg. of selenium dioxide. The mixture is refluxed under nitrogen for 24 hours, 25 mg. of selenium dioxide is added and the mixture refluxed an additional 24 hours. The mixture is filtered and the filtrate taken to dryness. The residue is taken up in ethyl acetate and washed successively with aqueous sodium bicarbonate, ammonium sulfide, dilute ammonia water, water, dilute hydrochloric acid, water and is dried over magnesium sulfate. It is then treated with activated charcoal and concentrated to dryness. Crystallization of the residue from acetone-ether gives pure 17a,21-dihydroxy-6a,16a-dimethyl-1,4-pregnadiene- 3,20-dione ZI-acetate.

EXAMPLE 20 Preparation of 1 1,8,1 7a,21 -Trihydroxy-6a,16a-Dimethyl- 1,4-Pregnadiene-3,20-Dione The fermentation procedure of Example 12 is repeated but using 17a,2l-dihydroxy-6 x,l6a-dimethyl-L4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate in place of 17a,21-dihydroxy-6a,l6a-dimethyl-4-pregnene-3,ZO-dione and 11,8,- 17u,21 rtrihydroxy 6u,l6a -dimethy1 1,4 pregnadiene- 3,20-dione is recovered.

EXAM-PLE 21 Preparation of 11 a,17:1,21-trihydrxy-6a,16ot-dimethyl- 1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-di0ne Ten mg. of 17a,21-trihydroxy-6a,16u-dimethyl-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate (obtained as in Example 19) is subjected to the action of an oxygenating enzyme produced by a strain of Rhizopus nigricans (American Type Culture Collection No. 6227b) and 11a,l7u,21-trihydroxy 60:,16a dimethyl 1,4 pregnadiene 3,20 dione is formed. This microbial procedure is fully described in Example 14.

EXAMPLE 22 Preparation of 1 70,21-Dihydr0xy-6a,16a-Dimethyl-1,4- Pregnadiene-3,11,20-Trione The 1 1a,17a,2ltrihydroxy-6a,16a-dimethyl-1,4-pregna d-iene-3,20-dione (prepared as in Example 21) is oxidized with chromium trioxide to form 17a,21-dihydroxy-6a,16adimethyl-1,4-pregn-adiene-3,11,20-trione. This procedure is fully described in Example 13.

EXAMPLE 23 Preparation of 3,20 Disemicarbazone of 170:,21 dihydr0xy-6u,16oc-Dimethyl-1,4-Pregnadiene-3,11,20-Tri0ne To a stirred solution of 125 mg. of 17a,21-dihyd=roxy- 6a,16a-dimethy1-1 ,4-pregnadiene-3, 1 1,20-trione (obtained as in Example 22) in 3.1 ml. of methanol and 3 ml. of water is added a slurry of 170 mg. of semicarbazide hydrochloride and 90 mg. of sodium bicarbonate in .5 ml. of water. The stirred mixture is refluxed under nitrogen for four hours. It is then cooled to 20 C. and 25 ml. of 50% saturated aqueous sodium chloride is added. After 3 hours at 0 C. the precipitate of the 3,20-disemicarbazone of 17a,2l-dihydroxy 6a,16a-dimethyl-1,4-pregnadiene-3,ll,20-trione is filtered, Washed with water, until free of chloride ion and dried in air.

EXAMPLE 24 Preparation of 3,20-Disemicarbazone of 1IB,17a,21-Trihydroxy-6a,]6a-Dimethyl-1,4-Pregnadien e-3,20-Dione To a stirred solution of 150 mg. of the 3,20-disemicarbazone of 17a,21-dihydroxy-6a,l6u-dimethyl-L4-pregnadiene-3,l1,20-tri0ne in 7.5 ml. of tetrahydrofuran and 14 ml. of water is added mg. of sodium borohydride. The stirred suspension is refluxed three hours and then cooled to 15 C. Aqueous acetic acid (1.5 ml. of 30%) added cautiously .and most of the tetrahydrofuran is removed in vacuo. The product crystallizes on addition of 10 ml. of 50% saturated aqueous sodium chloride and aged at 0 C. The product, 3,20-disemicarbazone of 11/3,17a,21 trihydroxy 6a,16a dimethyl 1,4 pregnadiene-3,20-dione is filtered, washed with water and dried EXAMPLE 25 Preparation of 11B,17a,21-Trihydroxy-6a,16a-Dimetlzyl- 1,4-Pregnadiene-3,20-Dione To a solution of mg. of the 3,20-disemiearbazone of 11fi,17oc,21 m'hydroxy 611,160: dimethyl 1,4 pregnadiene-3,20-dione in 1.2 ml. of acetic acid is added .25 ml. of water and 0.12 ml. of pyruvic acid. The solution is maintained at 25 C. for 18 hours (water l0 ml.) is added and the mixture is extracted thoroughly with chloroform. The chloroform extract is dried over sodium sulfate and taken to dryness. The residue is crystallized from ethyl acetate to give pure 11 8,17a,21-trihydr0xy-6a,- 16a-dirnethyl-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione.

Various changes and modifications may be made in the present invention, certain preferred embodiments of which are herein disclosed, without departing from the scope thereof; to the extent that these changes and modifications are within the scope of the appended claims they are to be considered a part of this invention.

What is claimed is:

1. 16u-lower alkyl-BB,1701,21-trihydroxy-5-pregnen-2O- one 3-tosylate 21-lower alkanoate.

2. 3,8,17a,21 tri hydroxy 16oz methyl 5 pregnen- 20-one 3-tosylate 21-acetate.

3. 16ulower =alkyl-3,5-cyclo-6fi,17a,21-trihydroxy-20- pregnanone 21-lower alkanoate.

4. 3,5-cyclo 6B,17a,21atrihydroxy-16a-methyl-20-pregnanone 21-acetate.

5. 16a, lower alkyl 3,5 cyclo 17a,21 dihydroxy- 6,20-pregnanedione 21-lower alkanoate.

6. 3,5 cyclo 17a,2l dihydroxy 16a methyl 6,20- pregnanedione ZI-acctate.

7. 16a-lower alkyl-3,5, cyclo 17a,2l dihydroxy- 6,2-0-pregnanedione.

8. 3,5 cyclo 17u,21 dihydroxy 16a methyl 6,20- pregnanedione.

9. l6a-lower alkyl-3,5-cyclo-l7a,20,20,21 bis-methylenedioxy-6-pregnanone.

10. 3,5 cyclo l6a-rnethyl 17a,20,20,21 bismethylenedioxy-6-pregnanone.

11. A mixture of isomers of 6e,16a-di lower alkyl-3,5- cyclo 6e hydroxy 17a,20,20,21 bismethylenedioxy pregnane.

12. A mixture of isomers of 3,5-cyclo-6e-hydroxy-6e, 16a-dimethyl-17a,20,20,21-bismethylenedioxy pregnane.

13. 6,1604 di lower alkyl-3B-hydroxy-17a,20,20,21-bismethylenedioxy-S-pregnen Zip-acetate.

14. Zip-hydroxy 6,1601. dimethyl 17a,20,20,21 bismethylenedioxy-S-pregnen 3,8-acetate.

15. 6,160: di lower alkyl 3B hydroxy ]l7oc,20,20,21- bismethylenedioxy-S-pregnene.

16. 3,3 hydroxy 6,160 dimethyl 17a,2(),20,21bi8- methylenedioxy-S-pregnene.

17. 604,160: di lower #alkyl 17a,20,20,21 bismethylenedioxy-4pregnen-3-one.

18. 60:,160: dimethyl 17a,20,20,21 hismethylenedioxy-4-pregnen-3-one.

19. The process which comprises reacting IGa-IOWCI alkyl-3B,17a,2l trihydroxy 5 pregnen 20 one 3- tosylate 21-lower alkanoate with a weak base in the presence of methyl ethyl ketone to form 16oc-1OW61 alkyl- 3,5-cyclo-6;8,170:,21-trihydroxy-20apregnanone 21 lower alkanoate.

20. The process which comprises reacting 3fi,17oc,2ltrihydroxy-l6a-methyl-5-pregnen-20-one 3-tosylate 21- acetate with a weak base in the presence of methyl ethyl ketone to form- 3,5-CYC10-6j3,17,2lwtfihYdlOXY-160t' methyl--pregnanone ZI-acetate.

21. The process which comprises reacting l6a-lower alkyl-3,5 cyclo 6fl,17oc,21 trihydroxy 20 pregnanone 21-lower alkanoate with an oxidizing agent to form 160clower alkyl 3,5 cyclo 1701,21 dihydroxy 6,20- pregnanedione 21-lower alkanoate.

22. The process which comprises reacting 3,5-cyclo- 6fl,17a,21 trihydroxy 16a methyl 20 pregnanone 21-acetate with chromium trioxide in the presence of pyridine to form 3,5-cyclo-17a,21-dihydroxy-16a-methyl 6,20-pregnane-dione Zl-acetate.

23. The process which comprises reacting 16u-lower alkyl- 3,5 cyclo 170:,21 dihydroxy 6,20 pregnanedione with formaldehyde to form l6a-lower alkyl-3,5- cyclo-17u,20,20,'21-bismethylenedioxy-6-pregnanone.

24. The process which comprises reacting 3,5-cyclo- 1705,21 dihydroxy 16a methyl 6,20 pregnanedione with formaldehyde to form 3,S-cyclo-l6a-methyl-l7a,20, 20,21-bismethylenedioxy-6-pregnanone.

25. The process which comprises reacting l6a-lower alkyl 3,5 cyclo 17oz,20,20,21 bismethylenedioxy 6- pregnanone with an alkyl magnesium to form a mixture of isomers of 6s, 16oc-di lower alkyl-3,5cyclo-6e-hydroxy- 17a,20,20,2l-bisrnethylenedioxy pregn ane.

26. The process which comprises reacting 3,5-cyclo- 16oz methyl 17a,20,20,2l bismethylenedioxy 6' pregnanone with methyl magnesium to form a mixture of isomers of 3,5-cyclo-6e-hydroxy-6e,l6oa-dimethyl-l7a,20, 20,21-bismethylenedioxypregnane.

27. The process which comprises reacting a mixture of isomers of 65,16oc-di lower alkyl-3,5-cyclo-6e-hydroxy-17a, 20,20,21-bisrnethylenedioxypregnane with acid to form 6,16a-di lower a1kyl-33-hydroxy-17a,20,20,2I-bismethylenedioxy-S-pregnene 3 3-1ower alkanoate.

28. The process which comprises reacting a mixture of isomers of 3,5-cyclo-6e-hydroxy-6e,16a-dimethyl17a,

16 20,20,21-bismethylenedioxypregnane with acid to form hydroxy 6,160; dimethyl 17 oz,2*0,20,21 bismethyl- CIIedlOXY-S-KPI6gHEHC 3fl-lower alkanoate.

29. A compound of the following formula:

wherein R is lower alkyl, R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and lower alkanoyl and the dotted line between carbon 1 and 2 indicates that a double bond may be present in this position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS OTHER REFERENCES Spero et a1.: 78 J.A.C.S., 6213 (1956). Arth et al.: 80 J.A.C.S., 3160 (June, 1958). Fieser and Fieser, Natural Products Related to Phenanthrene, 3rd edit. (1949), page 257. 

17. 6A,16A - DI LOWER ALKYL - 17A,20,20,21 - BISMETHYLENEDIOXY-4-PPREGNEN-3-ONE.
 29. A COMPOUND OF THE FOLLOWING FORMULA: 